Best Under Slab Insulation For Radiant Heat

A continuous layer of horizontal insulation reduces heat loss in the winter and it reduces condensation of humid air on the slab during the summer.

Best under slab insulation for radiant heat.

Determining how much insulation. Insulationstop is the best source for top quality products at the best price. Slabs that include embedded hydronic tubing for radiant heat always need a continuous layer of horizontal insulation under the entire slab. In warm climates a minimum of r 5 is recommended below the slab.

Below grade under slab system with foamular extruded polystyrene rigid board insulation and radiant heating. Insulation under the slab can reduce temperature swings in the heated space and respond quicker to new changes in thermostat settings. Need insulation for under concrete slabs slabs with radiant heat. The rpa guidelines provide a simple formula for calculating the r value for heated slab insulation.

Specify this solution zip 4 3 mb. Javascript seems to be disabled in your browser. Some people use twice the r value at the slab edge as they do under the slab. Without a thermal break between the slab and the ground heat will sink into the ground under the slab resulting in longer warm up time higher energy costs and overall poor performance of the system.

A john siegenthaler a consulting engineer who specializes in hydronic heating system design responds. Insulation is of crucial importance to a radiant heated slab with pex. Get all the construction documentation you ll need in a single click. This reason by itself can justify the use of under slab insulation.

Downward heat loss from a radiant slab should not exceed 10 percent of upward heat output a ratio derived from european installation standards for floor heating systems it s possible to calculate the r value needed to meet. Any cooler surface in contact with the slab will try to steal its heat. Also make sure that you insulate the slab edge as that s where the heat loss from a slab is greatest. R 10 in cold climates.

The insulation phase is crucial for a radiant floor.